Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 4) — Eight Filipinos who arrived from China from Dec. 27, 2022 to Jan. 2, 2023 tested positive for COVID-19 through antigen test upon arrival at Ninoy Aquino International Airport, the Department of Health said Wednesday.
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Citing reports from the Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ), the Filipinos, who were unvaccinated for the coronavirus, are now isolated and have undergone confirmatory RT-PCR testing on Dec. 31, but it was unclear if all of them got positive results.
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“Based on current protocols, non-fully vaccinated individuals who are unable to present a negative pre-departure test result are tested upon arrival at the airport,” the DOH said.
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“In light of this, the DOH assures the public that government continues to conduct COVID-19 monitoring and surveillance activities in the country, as well as keeping an eye for global health events that may occur,” it added.
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Authorities have yet to report if there were other foreign travelers from China who tested positive for the coronavirus.
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There was also no additional information on what COVID-19 variant the Filipinos were infected with. DOH said it will continue to monitor developments.
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Health officer-in-charge Maria Rosario Vergeire on Dec. 31 ordered heightened surveillance on travelers from COVID-hit China at all ports of entry.
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READ: Chinese tourists are ready to travel abroad again. Here’s why some countries are hesitant
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